May 04, 2006
TOKYO, JAPAN
Japan-based Thailander Eagle Kyowa (15-1, 6 KOs), WBC 105-pound champ, will face his toughest opposition in unbeaten top contender Rodel Mayol (22-0, 17 KOs) on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. Kyowa, making his second defense since regaining his belt by dethroning Katsunari Takayama last August, is a sharpshooter with good precision, while Mayol is a hard-punching left hooker who boasts of a high KO percentage. There was a press conference today, and each showed his confidence to deck a fine victory. Mayol said, “I wish to win the world belt and follow a footstep of our country’s idol Manny Pacquiao.” Pacman is supposed to arrive here to encourage his countryman Rodel tomorrow, but even Filipino people having already arrived here are still worried about his capriciousness. Pacquiao’s specialty is not only his southpaw left but also his abrupt change of mind. Eagle was a soft- spoken champ, and politely said, “I’d like to show my best against the strong challenger and hope to defend my belt.”
The WBC officials are as follows: referee Vic Drakulich (US); judges Gale Van Hoy (US), Chuck Hassett (US) and Alejandro Rochin (Mexico); and supervisor Chuck Williams (US).
This highly competitive fight will be shown live both in Japan and in the Philippines.
(5-4-06)